Michael McGrath, a Somerville police officer, was placed on administrative leave and his pay revoked after an investigation into an October 1, 2019 arrest reportedly turned up evidence that he had used pepper spray on a suspect who had been placed under arrest and was already in handcuffs.

McGrath was formally charged on Wednesday by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office with felony assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and is scheduled to be arraigned in the matter on November 13.

According to McGrath’s arrest report, the suspect resisted arrest, but a video of the incident reportedly showed that the suspect was already handcuffed at the time and posed no threat of danger to McGrath. Investigators filed charges against McGrath in September.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone issued a public statement on the incident that reads as follows: “Our officers are entrusted with tremendous responsibilities, and our residents must be confident that every officer will perform those duties to the highest standards, using force only when necessary and according to departmental training, policy, and the law. We have referred this case to the District Attorney and we will continue to fully cooperate with their investigation.”

The matter remains under investigation at this time.

Police video: